BITBL006 – IVWT001 – Atlas Shrugged – Smile Songs 7″ – Test Sleeve

Quick story: A few months ago, an online record store made its way down south to Auburn, Alabama. Naturally, I was curious, so me and the owner met up and got to know each other a little. And now, he’s one of my good friends.

Although the distro doesn’t exist anymore, he is putting out some really amazing records, and I’m thrilled to be a small part of the label he is starting.

The first release is a 7″ from 90’s hardcore band Atlas Shrugged.

I made six sleeves, for five test pressings. Because I cannot count well apparently.

What makes these a little unique is I experimented with hand cutting smaller sheets of colored paper to put behind the laser cut, trying to mimic the colors on the actual release. I was pretty happy with the way they turned out.

You can buy copies of the 7″ direct from the label (In Vinyl We Trust) here.

BITBL003 – AIR003 – An Aesthetic Anesthetic – Names – Test Sleeve

These were a lot of fun to make. Making sure the eyes lined up and actually stayed there. Funny looks from people when they saw the song titles. People asking me what kind of Halloween music was on it.

Note: It’s not Halloween music. Unless you want it to be.

You can pick up the album on vinyl here.

Or listen to it here.

Finished two other covers and about to start work on two more. Keep watch and I’ll keep you informed.

The Big Picture – Covers EP

My wife and I recorded an EP of cover songs in December to give out to friends and family. Packaged in a simple cardboard sleeve with a custom rubber stamp. Hand-cut and printed inner sleeve. CD looks like vinyl. But it’s not – please don’t attempt. (PICTURE TO COME)

We are calling ourselves The Big Picture.

Shows and more songs to come (maybe… no promises).

Artistic Integrity Records used one of the songs on his New Year’s cover compilation.

You can download the entire thing here for free, or just listen to it whenever you feel like it.

My Favorite Albums of 2012

It was tough to narrow it down, but here are my top 11 albums of 2012.

11 – Yeasayer – Fragrant World
I haven’t followed them too much, but the first few tracks on this were enough to get me hooked.

10 – Sigur Ros – Valtari
This one sneaks up on you and you end up weeping. Such is Sigur Ros.

9 – Rocky Votolato – Television Of Saints
Definitely one of my favorite singer-songwriters, and this is continues his run.

8 – Anberlin – Vital
I had counted Anberlin out of ever making good albums again. I was wrong.

7 – Godspeed! You Black Emperor – Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend!
Came out of nowhere for their first album in 10 years. Worth the wait.

6 – Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten
They haven’t released a bad album. It all sounds the same and I don’t even care.

5 – Shins – Port of Morrow
Their best album yet, and that is really saying something.

4 – Minus the Bear – Infinity Overhead
I couldn’t stop playing this album for months and every song was stuck in my head. A good eclectic mix of an album.

3 – Chromatics – Kill For Love
What I tell everyone about this album – “if this is not in your top albums of the year, you just haven’t heard it yet.”

2 – Japandroids – Celebration Rock
Japandroids were a band I just didn’t get for the longest time. However, the more time I spent with their music, the less I could resist. Celebration Rock is a classic. “If i had all of the answers and you had the body you wanted, would we love with a legendary fire?”

1 – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – The Heist
I don’t really know what to say about this album, but I wept the first time I heard half the songs. Not because they are sad, but because they shine light on subjects we in society try not to think about or get involved with. You cannot listen to this album and not be moved with anger or love or awareness. A tough choice, but my album of the year.